To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

The missile system is being developed by the DRDO for the Arihant class nuclear submarines which are being built by India. These submarines would be the mainstay of India`s nuclear triad.

"As per plans, the DRDO will carry out test-firing of the K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the Vishakhapatnam coast on Friday. During the trial, the DRDO will test the advanced systems in the missile system," government sources said here.

K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile.

It is not yet clear whether the DRDO will test the missile at the full strike range or shorter ranges. However, NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and marine warnings for long-range missile test have already been issued by India for the planned test-firings.

The K-4 missile test was planned for last month but was postponed.DRDO also plans test-firing of the Agni-3 and BrahMos missiles in the coming few weeks.

Government sources clarified that the test-firing of the K-4 would be done from an underwater pontoon as the missile is still being tested and launch from a submarine would only be done once it is ready for deployment.&nbsp;

To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

To further strengthen its capabilities of hitting enemy targets from submarines, India is planning to test-fire the 3,500 kilometre strike-range K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the coast of Andhra Pradesh on Friday. The missile system is being developed by the DRDO for the Arihant class nuclear submarines which are being built by India. These submarines would be the mainstay of India`s nuclear triad. "As per plans, the DRDO will carry out test-firing of the K-4 nuclear missile from an underwater platform off the Vishakhapatnam coast on Friday. During the trial, the DRDO will test the advanced systems in the missile system," government sources said here. K-4 is one of the two underwater missiles that are being developed. The other one is the over 700-kilometre strike range BO-5 missile. It is not yet clear whether the DRDO will test the missile at the full strike range or shorter ranges. However, NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) and marine warnings for long-range missile test have already been issued by India for the planned test-firings. The K-4 missile test was planned for last month but was postponed.DRDO also plans test-firing of the Agni-3 and BrahMos missiles in the coming few weeks. Government sources clarified that the test-firing of the K-4 would be done from an underwater pontoon as the missile is still being tested and launch from a submarine would only be done once it is ready for deployment.

India to test-fire 3,500 kilometre range K-4 nuclear missile

In a solemn and poignant ceremony today at the Public Relations Office, Badami Bagh (BB) Cantonment in Srinagar, all ranks of the Public Relations Office paid rich tributes to Late Major P Purushottam and five brave soldiers - Sub Brahm Dass, Hav PK Maharana, Sep Choudhary Ramji Bhai, Sep Md Razaul Haque and Sep C Radhakrishnan, who attained martyrdom in a ‘fidayeen’ attack on this day in 1999. 
&nbsp; 
​Late Major P Purushottam, who was posted as Public Relations Officer (Defence) along with five of his comrades, bravely fought terrorists who had launched a ‘fidayeen’ attack on his office on the evening of November 3, 1999. Having been engaged in a hand to hand fight with the terrorists, he and his colleagues made the supreme sacrifice of their lives while trying to save media persons.

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&nbsp; 
​A Bharat Bhushan Babu, ADG (M&amp;C), in his message, paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He said that we will always draw inspiration from the heroic deeds of the martyrs and keep ‘Nation First’ in all endeavours. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

On this occasion wreaths were laid by Col Rajesh Kalia, PRO (Defence) Srinagar on behalf of ADG (M&amp;C) and all ranks of the unit at the memorial in Public Relations Office, Srinagar.

In a solemn and poignant ceremony today at the Public Relations Office, Badami Bagh (BB) Cantonment in Srinagar, all ranks of the Public Relations Office paid rich tributes to Late Major P Purushottam and five brave soldiers - Sub Brahm Dass, Hav PK Maharana, Sep Choudhary Ramji Bhai, Sep Md Razaul Haque and Sep C Radhakrishnan, who attained martyrdom in a ‘fidayeen’ attack on this day in 1999.

In a solemn and poignant ceremony today at the Public Relations Office, Badami Bagh (BB) Cantonment in Srinagar, all ranks of the Public Relations Office paid rich tributes to Late Major P Purushottam and five brave soldiers - Sub Brahm Dass, Hav PK Maharana, Sep Choudhary Ramji Bhai, Sep Md Razaul Haque and Sep C Radhakrishnan, who attained martyrdom in a ‘fidayeen’ attack on this day in 1999. Late Major P Purushottam, who was posted as Public Relations Officer (Defence) along with five of his comrades, bravely fought terrorists who had launched a ‘fidayeen’ attack on his office on the evening of November 3, 1999. Having been engaged in a hand to hand fight with the terrorists, he and his colleagues made the supreme sacrifice of their lives while trying to save media persons. A Bharat Bhushan Babu, ADG (M&C), in his message, paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He said that we will always draw inspiration from the heroic deeds of the martyrs and keep ‘Nation First’ in all endeavours. On this occasion wreaths were laid by Col Rajesh Kalia, PRO (Defence) Srinagar on behalf of ADG (M&C) and all ranks of the unit at the memorial in Public Relations Office, Srinagar.

Srinagar: Bravehearts remembered, tributes paid to martyrs of 1999 attack

The Central government on Sunday deployed 300 teams in the national capital to tackle the menace of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/health-advisory-issued-for-delhiites-says-stay-indoors-wear-masks-259748">air pollution in the national capital</a> and the adjoining areas.&nbsp;

Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have escalated to 'severe plus' and emergency-like level with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority sounding a public health emergency in the region.&nbsp;

The teams have been deployed with a special focus on seven Industrial clusters and major traffic corridors across Delhi-NCR, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the principal secretary to Prime Minister, PK Mishra, held a meeting on the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Centre informed that similar arrangements have also been made by Punjab and Haryana and necessary machinery has been provided in the states. Neighbouring states have also been asked to reduce fire incidents and dust levels due to adverse meteorological conditions in the last three days.

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Mishra-led high-level review meeting with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi was conducted through video-conferencing. The meeting reviewed the situation arising out of stubble burning, construction activities, burning of wastes and industrial and vehicular pollution.

State chief secretaries have been directed to monitor the situation in their respective states. The cabinet secretary will monitor the situation on daily basis.

Air pollution in New Delhi and surrounding towns reached the worst levels so far this year on Sunday, with authorities in the world's most polluted capital city having already declared a public health emergency and ordered the closure of schools.

The air quality index, measuring levels of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter in the air, deteriorated to above 900, way over the 500-level that qualifies as "severe-plus," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The government environment monitoring agency SAFAR warned that no relief was expected for the next one to two days, as humidity resulting from unexpected light rains overnight had exacerbated pollution, already driven by higher the seasonal crop stubble burning by farmers in the surrounding states.

According to SAFAR, satellite pictures had captured more than 3,000 incidents of stubble burning last week in neighbouring states, contributing to 44 per cent of Delhi's pollution.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has said that the state government has initiated action against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/action-initiated-in-20729-cases-of-stubble-burning-punjab-cm-259743'">cases of stubble burning</a> reported till November 1 in the state.&nbsp;

In the view of worsening air quality, schools in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Noida <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ghaziabad-all-schools-to-remain-closed-on-november-4-and-5-due-to-air-pollution-259715">have been shut till Tuesday</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Central government on Sunday deployed 300 teams in the national capital to tackle the menace of air pollution in the national capital and the adjoining areas.

The Central government on Sunday deployed 300 teams in the national capital to tackle the menace of air pollution in the national capital and the adjoining areas. Pollution levels in Delhi-NCR have escalated to 'severe plus' and emergency-like level with the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority sounding a public health emergency in the region. The teams have been deployed with a special focus on seven Industrial clusters and major traffic corridors across Delhi-NCR, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, the principal secretary to Prime Minister, PK Mishra, held a meeting on the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The Centre informed that similar arrangements have also been made by Punjab and Haryana and necessary machinery has been provided in the states. Neighbouring states have also been asked to reduce fire incidents and dust levels due to adverse meteorological conditions in the last three days. × Mishra-led high-level review meeting with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi was conducted through video-conferencing. The meeting reviewed the situation arising out of stubble burning, construction activities, burning of wastes and industrial and vehicular pollution. State chief secretaries have been directed to monitor the situation in their respective states. The cabinet secretary will monitor the situation on daily basis. Air pollution in New Delhi and surrounding towns reached the worst levels so far this year on Sunday, with authorities in the world's most polluted capital city having already declared a public health emergency and ordered the closure of schools. The air quality index, measuring levels of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter in the air, deteriorated to above 900, way over the 500-level that qualifies as "severe-plus," news agency Reuters reported. The government environment monitoring agency SAFAR warned that no relief was expected for the next one to two days, as humidity resulting from unexpected light rains overnight had exacerbated pollution, already driven by higher the seasonal crop stubble burning by farmers in the surrounding states. According to SAFAR, satellite pictures had captured more than 3,000 incidents of stubble burning last week in neighbouring states, contributing to 44 per cent of Delhi's pollution. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has said that the state government has initiated action against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1 in the state. In the view of worsening air quality, schools in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Noida have been shut till Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre deploys 300 teams, focus on 7 Industrial clusters as Delhi-NCR chokes on pollution

In the backdrop of severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and other parts of north India, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister held a high-level review meeting with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi through video-conferencing on Sunday.

The meeting was held to tackle the menace of air pollution. About 300 teams are in the field in Delhi to reduce air pollution, necessary machinery for this work has been distributed in the states.

The Chief Secretaries of these States have been asked to monitor the situation in various districts of their respective states on a 24x7 basis.

Also, the Cabinet Secretary will monitor the situation on a daily basis. Principal Secretary to PM had earlier reviewed the situation on October 24.

A series of meetings have taken place for the necessary preparation, including one meeting by the Cabinet Secretary on this subject (air pollution), on October 4.

Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the Central government to take immediate steps to provide relief from the pollution and assured full support in all its initiatives.

The National capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog due to rising pollution from past few weeks.

The situation is such that public health emergency has also been issued by EPCA in the wake of the dipping air quality.

Taking to Twitter, Kejriwal, who has been lately slamming neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana over the rise in pollution in Delhi said, "Pollution has reached unbearable levels across North India. Delhi government has taken many steps. Delhiites have made many sacrifices. Delhi suffering for no fault of theirs."&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In the backdrop of severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and other parts of north India, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister held a high-level review meeting with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi through video-conferencing on Sunday.

In the backdrop of severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR and other parts of north India, PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister held a high-level review meeting with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi through video-conferencing on Sunday. The meeting was held to tackle the menace of air pollution. About 300 teams are in the field in Delhi to reduce air pollution, necessary machinery for this work has been distributed in the states. The Chief Secretaries of these States have been asked to monitor the situation in various districts of their respective states on a 24x7 basis. Also, the Cabinet Secretary will monitor the situation on a daily basis. Principal Secretary to PM had earlier reviewed the situation on October 24. A series of meetings have taken place for the necessary preparation, including one meeting by the Cabinet Secretary on this subject (air pollution), on October 4. Earlier today, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the Central government to take immediate steps to provide relief from the pollution and assured full support in all its initiatives. The National capital and its adjoining areas have been covered in a thick blanket of smog due to rising pollution from past few weeks. The situation is such that public health emergency has also been issued by EPCA in the wake of the dipping air quality. Taking to Twitter, Kejriwal, who has been lately slamming neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana over the rise in pollution in Delhi said, "Pollution has reached unbearable levels across North India. Delhi government has taken many steps. Delhiites have made many sacrifices. Delhi suffering for no fault of theirs."

Air pollution menace: Principal Secretary to PM holds meeting with officials of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana

The Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) on Sunday released health advisory to the public for protection from air pollution, which has reached to severe level in Delhi and may result in "morbidity" among the exposed people.

"The air pollution harms and may cause respiratory illness in healthy people on prolonged exposure and even pronounced respiratory or other serious illnesses in the 'vulnerable population'&nbsp;even on short exposure," a statement issued by the DGHS.

The vulnerable population includes elderly, children below 5 years, pregnant women, persons with poor nutritional status.

Advising the public to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening hours, the DGHS said that persons having occupations of prolonged exposure such as traffic policemen, traffic volunteer, rickshaw pullers, auto-rickshaw drivers, roadside vendors should take extra precautions.

The following do's and don'ts are as followed

Do's:

Remain indoors, or reschedule outdoors activities

Consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes

Use certified N-95 masks and follow user instructions

Continue use of clean smokeless fuel gas or electricity for cooking and heating purpose.

Use public transportation

Dont's:

Don't burn leaves, wood, agriculture products, garbage

Don't go to places with heavy traffic and areas near polluting places and construction sites

Don't go for morning and late evening walks, run, jog and physical exercise

Don't open doors and windows during the mornings and late evenings

Don't smoke cigarettes and related tobacco products.

Avoid driving cars, scooters and other motorised vehicles.

 
&nbsp;

The Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) on Sunday released health advisory to the public for protection from air pollution, which has reached to severe level in Delhi and may result in "morbidity" among the exposed people.

The Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) on Sunday released health advisory to the public for protection from air pollution, which has reached to severe level in Delhi and may result in "morbidity" among the exposed people. "The air pollution harms and may cause respiratory illness in healthy people on prolonged exposure and even pronounced respiratory or other serious illnesses in the 'vulnerable population' even on short exposure," a statement issued by the DGHS. The vulnerable population includes elderly, children below 5 years, pregnant women, persons with poor nutritional status. Advising the public to avoid outdoor physical activities, especially during morning and late evening hours, the DGHS said that persons having occupations of prolonged exposure such as traffic policemen, traffic volunteer, rickshaw pullers, auto-rickshaw drivers, roadside vendors should take extra precautions. The following do's and don'ts are as followed Do's: Remain indoors, or reschedule outdoors activities Consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes Use certified N-95 masks and follow user instructions Continue use of clean smokeless fuel gas or electricity for cooking and heating purpose. Use public transportation Dont's: Don't burn leaves, wood, agriculture products, garbage Don't go to places with heavy traffic and areas near polluting places and construction sites Don't go for morning and late evening walks, run, jog and physical exercise Don't open doors and windows during the mornings and late evenings Don't smoke cigarettes and related tobacco products. Avoid driving cars, scooters and other motorised vehicles.

Health advisory issued for Delhiites, says 'stay indoors, wear masks'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking more assistance for unseasonal rain-affected farmers from Central government on Sunday in New Delhi, sources said.

Earlier on Sunday, Fadnavis said that the state government has already approved Rs 10,000 crore to provide relief to farmers affected by rains in the state.

"We have already approved Rs 10,000 crore. The state government stands firmly with farmers whose crops have been damaged due to heavy rains and all the necessary steps and assistance will be provided to them," he said.

The Chief Minister visited Lakhanwada, Chikhalgaon and Mhaispur villages in Akola district to inspect crop damages due to unseasonal rains and interacted with farmers.

"Will treat this situation like drought and have directed officials to do all surveys before November 6 and to organise camps in villages for the same," he said.

Fadnavis asked officials to act as a mediator between insurance companies and farmers to get early and maximum assistance and ensure not a single farmer be kept deprived from assistance.

He also asked them to provide all the assistance for the upcoming Rabi season, at a review meeting in Akola.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded Rs 25,000 per hectare from the government to help farmers.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking more assistance for unseasonal rain-affected farmers from Central government on Sunday in New Delhi, sources said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking more assistance for unseasonal rain-affected farmers from Central government on Sunday in New Delhi, sources said. Earlier on Sunday, Fadnavis said that the state government has already approved Rs 10,000 crore to provide relief to farmers affected by rains in the state. "We have already approved Rs 10,000 crore. The state government stands firmly with farmers whose crops have been damaged due to heavy rains and all the necessary steps and assistance will be provided to them," he said. The Chief Minister visited Lakhanwada, Chikhalgaon and Mhaispur villages in Akola district to inspect crop damages due to unseasonal rains and interacted with farmers. "Will treat this situation like drought and have directed officials to do all surveys before November 6 and to organise camps in villages for the same," he said. Fadnavis asked officials to act as a mediator between insurance companies and farmers to get early and maximum assistance and ensure not a single farmer be kept deprived from assistance. He also asked them to provide all the assistance for the upcoming Rabi season, at a review meeting in Akola. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded Rs 25,000 per hectare from the government to help farmers.

Fadnavis to meet Shah on Monday in Delhi to seek more assistance for Maharashtra farmers

Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement.

The action is expected to cause a reduction of 10-20 per cent in the number of such cases this year as against 2018, the statement said. "As against a total of around 49,000 cases of stubble burning last year, this year the state government has so far received reports of 20,729 cases, with more than 70 per cent of the paddy already harvested," the statement read.

Despite the High Court having stayed the recovery of fine from farmers penalised last year, the state government has intensified its drive against the dangerous practice of stubble burning, the Chief Minister said.

According to the statement, "Even as he expressed the hope that the Prime Minister will understand, and respond positively to his letter on the grave issue of the worsening Delhi air pollution, Captain Amarinder said his government was fully seized of the problem and was working committedly to put a stop to stubble burning."

"The Enforcement Teams had, till November 1, 2019, visited 11286 fire incidents sites, and Environment Compensation amounting to Rs 41.62 lakh had been imposed in 1585 cases, Red Entry made in Khasra Girdawaris in 1136 cases, and prosecution/ FIR filed in 202 cases against the defaulting farmers," the statement said.

While admitting that Punjab was also contributing to the Delhi smog, due to the westerly upper winds, including those coming from Pakistan, Captain Amarinder said to put the blame entirely on his state was "absolutely incorrect."

Statistics showed that the parameters on the factors relating to pollution were higher in Delhi, he added. Instead of addressing the problem, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was playing political games, he said, asking what the AAP leader was doing on the ground to resolve the issue.

The situation has aggravated in recent years as the production of paddy has increased, with the last two years reporting record production in Punjab, even though the state's people were traditionally not rice-eaters, according to the Chief Minister.

He also pointed out that the cities in the state were also enveloped by smog.

Underlining the need to change the cropping pattern by weaning the farmers away from paddy, he reiterated his demand for MSP for other crops to help promote diversification.

The Central government has to step in and find a consensus to resolve the crisis, Captain Amarinder stressed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement.

Action has been initiated against as many as 2,923 farmers so far in the 20,729 cases of stubble burning reported till November 1, in the state, said Punjab Chief Minister's Office in a statement. The action is expected to cause a reduction of 10-20 per cent in the number of such cases this year as against 2018, the statement said. "As against a total of around 49,000 cases of stubble burning last year, this year the state government has so far received reports of 20,729 cases, with more than 70 per cent of the paddy already harvested," the statement read. Despite the High Court having stayed the recovery of fine from farmers penalised last year, the state government has intensified its drive against the dangerous practice of stubble burning, the Chief Minister said. According to the statement, "Even as he expressed the hope that the Prime Minister will understand, and respond positively to his letter on the grave issue of the worsening Delhi air pollution, Captain Amarinder said his government was fully seized of the problem and was working committedly to put a stop to stubble burning." "The Enforcement Teams had, till November 1, 2019, visited 11286 fire incidents sites, and Environment Compensation amounting to Rs 41.62 lakh had been imposed in 1585 cases, Red Entry made in Khasra Girdawaris in 1136 cases, and prosecution/ FIR filed in 202 cases against the defaulting farmers," the statement said. While admitting that Punjab was also contributing to the Delhi smog, due to the westerly upper winds, including those coming from Pakistan, Captain Amarinder said to put the blame entirely on his state was "absolutely incorrect." Statistics showed that the parameters on the factors relating to pollution were higher in Delhi, he added. Instead of addressing the problem, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was playing political games, he said, asking what the AAP leader was doing on the ground to resolve the issue. The situation has aggravated in recent years as the production of paddy has increased, with the last two years reporting record production in Punjab, even though the state's people were traditionally not rice-eaters, according to the Chief Minister. He also pointed out that the cities in the state were also enveloped by smog. Underlining the need to change the cropping pattern by weaning the farmers away from paddy, he reiterated his demand for MSP for other crops to help promote diversification. The Central government has to step in and find a consensus to resolve the crisis, Captain Amarinder stressed.

Action initiated in 20,729 cases of stubble burning: Punjab CM

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists.

Last week, Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, alleged that Israeli cyber security company NSO used WhatsApp servers to spread spyware Pegasus.

"When WhatsApp sent messages to all those whose phones were hacked, one such message was also received by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," said Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a press conference on being asked about NCP leader Praful Patel and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee receiving messages from the Facebook-owned messaging platform.

Surjewala, however, did not mention when exactly Priyanka received the message.

Amid the raging controversy, the government has asked WhatsApp to come out with an explanation on the breach of privacy and list out measures that have been taken to safeguard the privacy of millions of Indians.

This comes a day after Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi dubbed the snooping on activists, journalists and political persons as illegal, alleging that the government acquired an Israeli software to spy on citizens.

According to reports, WhatsApp revealed that journalists and activists in India have been the target of surveillance by operators using the Israeli spyware Pegasus.

The messaging platform said that it had reached out to the people who were targeted but declined to reveal the identities and "exact number" of those who were targeted.The messaging company stated that it remains committed to protecting all messages of its users. 
&nbsp;

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists.

The Congress on Sunday claimed that its party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra`s phone was also hacked during a recent spyware attack on several journalists and human rights activists. Last week, Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, alleged that Israeli cyber security company NSO used WhatsApp servers to spread spyware Pegasus. "When WhatsApp sent messages to all those whose phones were hacked, one such message was also received by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," said Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a press conference on being asked about NCP leader Praful Patel and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee receiving messages from the Facebook-owned messaging platform. Surjewala, however, did not mention when exactly Priyanka received the message. Amid the raging controversy, the government has asked WhatsApp to come out with an explanation on the breach of privacy and list out measures that have been taken to safeguard the privacy of millions of Indians. This comes a day after Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi dubbed the snooping on activists, journalists and political persons as illegal, alleging that the government acquired an Israeli software to spy on citizens. According to reports, WhatsApp revealed that journalists and activists in India have been the target of surveillance by operators using the Israeli spyware Pegasus. The messaging platform said that it had reached out to the people who were targeted but declined to reveal the identities and "exact number" of those who were targeted.The messaging company stated that it remains committed to protecting all messages of its users.

Snooping row: Priyanka Gandhi's phone also hacked, claims Congress

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-clash-with-police-at-malls-259690">Hong Kong anti-government protesters</a> crowded an upmarket shopping mall in running clashes with police on Sunday, with several suffering bloody wounds a day after parts of the Chinese-ruled city became a battleground.

A human chain in Cityplaza, in the eastern suburb of Taikoo Shing, turned into a bloody face-to-face conflict with police, running up and down escalators where families with young children had been window shopping just minutes before and watching skating on the ice rink.

Police said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-lam-to-discuss-helping-people-to-live-and-work-in-mainland-china-259622">protesters</a> had vandalised a restaurant after a peaceful chanting of slogans.

Several people were wounded, one man in a white tee-shirt being beaten with sticks by protesters. Another man lay in a pool of blood on the pavement. Media reports said a knifeman had attacked four people.

Broadcaster RTHK said Democratic district councillor Andrew Chiu was among the wounded and that part of his ear had been bitten off.

It was not immediately possible to verify the reports.

A kitchen knife lay on the ground outside the mall.

"These police are not what they used to be," said Julie, 24, giving police the middle finger. "They come in here and push us around. It is not right."

Police made several arrests as protesters shouted "black police!", a reference to their perceived brutality.

Police fired pepper spray at reporters when they got too close. One journalist was arrested.

There were also scuffles, confrontations and vandalism in malls in the New Territories towns of Tai Po, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, where police fired pepper spray as protesters hurled abuse.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which Britain returned to Chinese rule in 1997, battled police across the main island on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, which China denies.

They have vandalised Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti.

Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official Xinhua news agency on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations.

Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby.

"The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post.

Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-trash-xinhua-agency-office-in-night-of-violence-259585">protesters</a> on Saturday and early Sunday as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clean-up-operation-underway-as-hong-kong-reels-from-worst-violence-in-weeks-259570">violence spilled from Hong Kong</a> island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality.

There have been several injuries during five months of unrest, including a protester shot in the chest and a policeman slashed in the neck, but no deaths since the protests began in June.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began.

Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will fly to China this week to discuss how to make it easier for Hong Kong people to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday.

Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China.

The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said.

The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau.

Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension.

The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters crowded an upmarket shopping mall in running clashes with police on Sunday, with several suffering bloody wounds a day after parts of the Chinese-ruled city became a battleground.

Hong Kong anti-government protesters crowded an upmarket shopping mall in running clashes with police on Sunday, with several suffering bloody wounds a day after parts of the Chinese-ruled city became a battleground. A human chain in Cityplaza, in the eastern suburb of Taikoo Shing, turned into a bloody face-to-face conflict with police, running up and down escalators where families with young children had been window shopping just minutes before and watching skating on the ice rink. Police said protesters had vandalised a restaurant after a peaceful chanting of slogans. Several people were wounded, one man in a white tee-shirt being beaten with sticks by protesters. Another man lay in a pool of blood on the pavement. Media reports said a knifeman had attacked four people. Broadcaster RTHK said Democratic district councillor Andrew Chiu was among the wounded and that part of his ear had been bitten off. It was not immediately possible to verify the reports. A kitchen knife lay on the ground outside the mall. "These police are not what they used to be," said Julie, 24, giving police the middle finger. "They come in here and push us around. It is not right." Police made several arrests as protesters shouted "black police!", a reference to their perceived brutality. Police fired pepper spray at reporters when they got too close. One journalist was arrested. There were also scuffles, confrontations and vandalism in malls in the New Territories towns of Tai Po, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, where police fired pepper spray as protesters hurled abuse. Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, which Britain returned to Chinese rule in 1997, battled police across the main island on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, which China denies. They have vandalised Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti. Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official Xinhua news agency on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations. Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby. "The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at protesters on Saturday and early Sunday as the violence spilled from Hong Kong island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality. There have been several injuries during five months of unrest, including a protester shot in the chest and a policeman slashed in the neck, but no deaths since the protests began in June. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began. Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will fly to China this week to discuss how to make it easier for Hong Kong people to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday. Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China. The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said. The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau. Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension. The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999.

Hong Kong unrest: Upmarket shopping mall clash ends in bloodshed

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue.

"All scientists and experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don`t want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage. All governments should come together and discuss the issue," Kejriwal said in a video message.

He also stated that the Delhi government has taken all measures to curb pollution but the smoke from the stubble burning has entered Delhi and has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach to alarming levels.

"We have curbed construction activities after levying fines on the builders. On Diwali, this year the children reduced the usage of crackers. People of Delhi have done everything that they can do to control the pollution. But it is because of stubble burning, that Delhi is suffering from this issue," he said.

He also urged all to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be starting from Monday.

"Odd-even scheme is going to start from November 4 and will last up to November 15 from 8 am to 8 pm. I request people that they follow the rule, if not for themselves but for their families," he added.

Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.&nbsp;

 
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there should be no politics over pollution and all state governments and Centre should come together and discuss the issue. "All scientists and experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don`t want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage. All governments should come together and discuss the issue," Kejriwal said in a video message. He also stated that the Delhi government has taken all measures to curb pollution but the smoke from the stubble burning has entered Delhi and has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach to alarming levels. "We have curbed construction activities after levying fines on the builders. On Diwali, this year the children reduced the usage of crackers. People of Delhi have done everything that they can do to control the pollution. But it is because of stubble burning, that Delhi is suffering from this issue," he said. He also urged all to follow the Odd-Even scheme which will be starting from Monday. "Odd-even scheme is going to start from November 4 and will last up to November 15 from 8 am to 8 pm. I request people that they follow the rule, if not for themselves but for their families," he added. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is "severe-plus emergency" category.

All governments should come together to act on pollution: Arvind Kejriwal

The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the retired judge of Delhi High Court SP Garg, has to be completed within six weeks.

Garg is required to be assisted by Director, CBI, Director, Intelligence Bureau and Director, Vigilance or any superior rank officers appointed by them.

The High Court has also directed Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to record the statements of the injured advocates.

It has also directed that FIR shall be lodged immediately and the copies of it shall be presented before it.

Meanwhile, the High Court has also directed Delhi government to provide best medical treatment to injured advocates, if possible, then in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), especially to those who are seriously injured.

Also, an ex gratia amount of Rs 50,000 is to be given to Advocate Vijay Verma, and of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to other two injured advocates. Delhi HC has directed more amount to be paid, over and above the compensation, if the need arises in the future.

All bar associations and bar councils had sought judicial inquiry from a retired judge of Delhi High Court.

A total of four FIRs including cross FIRs from lawyers and the police have been registered in the case.

The third FIR has been registered by a female lawyer against the police for misbehaving and inappropriate gestures.

The District Judge has also registered an FIR over all chaos and clash, the police said.

Around 20 police personnel including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) and two Station House Officers (SHOs) and eight advocates sustained injuries in the scuffle, which broke out between police and advocates.

After the clash on Saturday, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice DN Patel chaired a meeting with six senior most judges of the court and senior officials of the Delhi Police and discussed the situation after the clash.

Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Delhi has decided to grant Rs 2 lakh each to two lawyers, who are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Rs 50,000 to the lawyers, who sustained injuries in the clash.

 
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The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured.

The Delhi High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry into Saturday clashes that broke out between lawyers and the police at Tis Hazari court complex here that left several injured. The inquiry, to be conducted by the retired judge of Delhi High Court SP Garg, has to be completed within six weeks. Garg is required to be assisted by Director, CBI, Director, Intelligence Bureau and Director, Vigilance or any superior rank officers appointed by them. The High Court has also directed Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik to record the statements of the injured advocates. It has also directed that FIR shall be lodged immediately and the copies of it shall be presented before it. Meanwhile, the High Court has also directed Delhi government to provide best medical treatment to injured advocates, if possible, then in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), especially to those who are seriously injured. Also, an ex gratia amount of Rs 50,000 is to be given to Advocate Vijay Verma, and of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to other two injured advocates. Delhi HC has directed more amount to be paid, over and above the compensation, if the need arises in the future. All bar associations and bar councils had sought judicial inquiry from a retired judge of Delhi High Court. A total of four FIRs including cross FIRs from lawyers and the police have been registered in the case. The third FIR has been registered by a female lawyer against the police for misbehaving and inappropriate gestures. The District Judge has also registered an FIR over all chaos and clash, the police said. Around 20 police personnel including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) and two Station House Officers (SHOs) and eight advocates sustained injuries in the scuffle, which broke out between police and advocates. After the clash on Saturday, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice DN Patel chaired a meeting with six senior most judges of the court and senior officials of the Delhi Police and discussed the situation after the clash. Meanwhile, the Bar Council of Delhi has decided to grant Rs 2 lakh each to two lawyers, who are currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Rs 50,000 to the lawyers, who sustained injuries in the clash.

Tis Hazari Court clash: Delhi High Court orders judicial probe

All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.

In an order on Sunday, The District Magistrate (DM) Ghaziabad, Ajay Shankar Pandey said, "Due to increased air pollution in the NCR, all schools till class 12 shall remain closed on November 4 and 5."

"The air quality in Ghaziabad remains in poor quality. According to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board data, the PM-10 and PM 2.5 levels are very high," the DM said.

Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.&nbsp; 
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All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.

All government and private schools up to class 12 will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to rising air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas. In an order on Sunday, The District Magistrate (DM) Ghaziabad, Ajay Shankar Pandey said, "Due to increased air pollution in the NCR, all schools till class 12 shall remain closed on November 4 and 5." "The air quality in Ghaziabad remains in poor quality. According to the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board data, the PM-10 and PM 2.5 levels are very high," the DM said. Apart from the capital, Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad and Noida are also reeling under the wave of severe air pollution. In both places, the AQI has crossed the mark of 600.

Ghaziabad: All schools to remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to air pollution

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